§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 11 March 1998,Official Report, column 203, where the six new places in local authority secure accommodation planned for since 1 May 1997 will be provided; and how many places have been planned for since 1 May which will become available after the end of 1998. [34867]
§ Mr. BoatengThe six places comprise 2 at Dyson Hall (Liverpool) and 4 at Thornbury House (Oxfordshire).
We have instituted a review of the whole range of secure accommodation for young people held on remand, including the local authority secure estate. The review is examining how to make better use of the existing and planned accommodation to ensure that provision is more consistent and coherent, and that regimes tackle criminality and meet the educational and other needs of these young people. We will be considering the outcome of the review, which is due to report shortly, when planning the implementation of these proposals. The review will help inform whether there should be a further expansion of the secure estate.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current criteria for admittance to a local authority secure unit; and what plans he has to change these. [34802]
§ Mr. BoatengI have been asked to reply. Local authority secure accommodation is provided for young people generally between the ages of 10 and 18 who are likely to cause serious injury to themselves or others if placed in other forms of accommodation. Section 25 of The Children Act 1989 sets out the criteria which must be met before a child being looked after by a local authority can be placed, and if placed, kept in secure accommodation. We have no plans at present to change these criteria. Additionally, children sentenced under Section 53 of The Children and Young Persons Act 1933 may be kept in secure accommodation where my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary considers that to be the most appropriate placement.